The All Progressives Congress (APC) has begun preparations for its 2026 National Convention with a call for early planning to ensure smooth logistics for the event, as it inaugurated its Accommodation and Transportation Committee in Abuja on Tuesday.
Co-chair of the committee and Minister of Works, David Umahi, said the composition of the committee underscores the importance the party attaches to the successful organisation of the convention.
Speaking while inaugurating the committee in Abuja, Umahi noted that the presence of governors, ministers, senators and senior party leaders on the committee reflects the responsibility placed on it to deliver efficient logistical arrangements for the event.
“The composition of this committee reflects the importance the party attaches to the responsibilities entrusted to us. With governors, ministers, senators and senior party leaders represented here, it is clear that the party expects this committee to play a critical role in the successful organization of the convention,” Umahi said.
He noted that the success of a national gathering such as the party’s convention depends not only on the political processes involved but also on the efficiency of the logistics supporting the event.
“As we all know, the success of any large national gathering such as our national convention depends not only on the political processes that take place, but also on the efficiency of the logistic arrangements that support it,” he said.
Umahi explained that delegates must arrive safely and on time, while party leaders and special guests must be properly accommodated. Transportation between airports, hotels and the convention venue, he added, must also be well coordinated.
“When these logistics work smoothly, the convention proceeds seamlessly. When they fail, even the most carefully planned event can be disrupted,” he said.
He said the committee’s responsibilities include coordinating hotel accommodation for party leaders, delegates and special guests; arranging transportation for VIPs and participants; managing airport reception and transfers; and ensuring efficient movement between hotels and the convention venue.
“Our task will involve coordinating hotel accommodation for party leadership, delegates and special guests, arranging transportation for VIPs and delegates, managing airport reception and transfer and ensuring efficient movement between hotels and the convention venue,” he said.
Umahi noted that the scale of the convention and the number of participants expected from across the federation would require careful planning, strong coordination and timely execution.
He added that the inaugural meeting was convened to enable the committee to commence work, review its terms of reference, examine the logistics plan and agree on the next steps for implementation.
“I would like to emphasise that time is of the essence. Early planning will enable us to secure hotel capacity, mobilize transportation resources and establish the operational coordination system required for the convention,” he said.
Umahi, whose address was read on his behalf by the Deputy Secretary of the committee, Aderemi Oseni, expressed confidence that members of the committee would work together to ensure that the 2026 national convention is conducted in an organised and efficient manner.
The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, serves as secretary of the committee, which also includes serving and former federal lawmakers, presidential aides and other senior members of the party.
Also speaking, Abba Kabir Yusuf, governor of Kano State and co-chair of the committee, said he had provided his official residence as the headquarters for the convention planning activities.
Represented by a member of the committee, Muhammad Jamu Yusuf, the governor said the residence had been hosting meetings of the main convention committee since planning for the event began.
“Since the planning for this convention started, the Governor of Kano State offered his official residence, which now is the official headquarters for the Convention Committee,” he said.
He explained that planning for transportation arrangements was already underway following the governor’s assignment to oversee that aspect of the convention logistics.
“And since that responsibility was given to him, we have been putting pen to paper on how we can successfully have a smooth convention whereby people can be accommodated and transported to the various places needed,” he said.
He added that the governor had intended to attend the inauguration but was unable to join physically or virtually due to technical issues.
The committee is tasked with coordinating accommodation and transportation logistics for delegates, party officials and guests expected at the convention.
According to the party, it will plan and oversee arrangements for lodging, airport transfers and shuttle services between hotels and the convention venue to ensure the smooth movement and comfort of participants.
Its responsibilities include securing suitable accommodation, negotiating block bookings with hotels, coordinating room allocations for delegates and VIPs, and mobilising vehicles for official movements and logistics support.
The committee will also work with other convention committees, including those handling venue management, accreditation, protocol and security, while monitoring logistics operations during the event to ensure smooth implementation.
Credit: thenationononlineng.net
